Exhibit set for display in New London
NEW LONDON – New London will be celebrating 136 years of regalia manufacturing in a free public exhibit on Saturday, Feb. 17th and Sunday, Feb. 18th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 211 West Main Street (SR 162 across from The Laurels).
Regalia is defined as “the distinctive clothing worn and ornaments carried at formal occasions as an indication of status.”
Beginning in 1888, the Ward-stilson Company and its successors manufactured all types of regalia for fraternal lodges such as the International Order of Odd Fellows, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and the Knights of Pythias.
The C.E. Ward Company, founded in 1905, branched out into choral robes and graduation gowns and eventually acquired the Ames Sword Company, a regalia item extremely popular with collectors today.
The industry was once New London’s largest employer, and the village still hosts two firms, New London Regalia Manufacturing Company and Thomas Creative Apparel, Inc.
Besides samples from the current companies, historical items on display will come from several sources. They include:
– John Meade, a regalia collector and administrator of the C.E. Ward Collector’s
Group on Facebook;
– Heath White, whose family last owned the former C.e.ward Company building (which still contained a lot of product);
– Tom Neel, President of the New London Area Historical Society, an organization that owns many
Ward and Stilson family photographs and company records and memorabilia.
Pay a visit to New London on the weekend of February 17-18 to get your fill of swords, ornate lodge costumes, graduation gowns, company artwork, and 136 years of regalia products.